Zim in precarious situation despite thin lead

Bulawayo: New Zealand captured five Zimbabwe wickets in quick time in Zimbabwe's second innings to breath new life into the first Test on Friday at Queen's Sports Club. Zimbabwe were 100 for five at the draw of stumps on the fourth day with an overall lead of 112. Campbell on a well-made 45 and skipper Streak on 9 were at the crease, left with the responsibility of steering the home team to safety. Earlier in the day, New Zealand were dismissed for 338 in reply to Zimbabwe's first innings total of 350.

By tea, Zimbabwe were reduced to 36 for three. Zimbabwe's problems began in the seventh over of their second innings when Gavin Rennie was bowled for two by Chris Cairns. Stuart Carlisle advanced down the pitch to off-spinner Paul Wiseman and was bowled for 15, followed two balls later by Grant Flower, on three, edging a delivery from left-arm paceman Shayne O'Connor to wicket-keeper Adam Parore to reduce Zimbabwe to 23-3.

Andy Flower (22) who in the company of Campbell looked to steady things for the home team also perished in the post tea session, followed immediately by Wishart (1) to reduce Zimbabwe to 86 for five.New Zealand were dismissed in the seventh over after lunch when leg-spinner Paul Strang caught and bowled O'Connor for four to finish with eight for 109, the best figures by a Zimbabwean in a Test innings.

The tourists' total was boosted by the 78 runs shared by Parore and Daniel Vettori, a ninth-wicket record in matches between the two countries. Parore was 32 not out, while Vettori scored 49.